A judge in Los Angeles has reinstated a lawsuit against the controversial heavy metal musician Marilyn Manson, leveraging a new California law that permits previously time-barred sexual assault cases to be reconsidered in court. This legal development marks a significant shift in how historical allegations are handled under the state's judicial system.
Background of the Case and Legal Revival
The lawsuit was originally filed in May 2021 by Ashley Walters, a former assistant to Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner. Walters alleges that she was sexually assaulted while working for Manson Records between 2010 and 2011. However, the case was dismissed in December 2021 because it exceeded the statute of limitations, which sets a maximum time period for initiating legal proceedings after the alleged events occur.
Impact of the New Legislation
In a pivotal move, Walters requested the court to reconsider her case in January 2022, coinciding with the enactment of a new California law. This legislation mandates a two-year window for the review of sexual assault claims that had previously expired under the old statute of limitations. Judge Steve Cochran of the Los Angeles Superior Court, who had initially dismissed the lawsuit, accepted the revived claim after a hearing on Monday.
Judge Cochran stated, "I looked at this closely. I do think the statute revives the claim," highlighting the legal basis for reopening the case under the updated provisions.
Allegations and Defence Arguments
Walters' lawsuit includes serious accusations beyond the alleged sexual assault. She claims that Manson boasted about raping women and even showed her a video depicting the abuse of a minor girl. These allegations add to a pattern of misconduct accusations that have plagued the musician's career over the years.
In response, Manson's lawyer, Howard King, has vehemently denied the claims. King asserted in a statement to Agence France-Presse, "While Ms Walters made several now-irrelevant claims about so-called workplace harassment, she has no pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code, as would be required under the new law, nor is she permitted under the ruling to add new claims." He further emphasised, "The undeniable fact is that Mr Warner never committed any sexual assault," defending his client against the revived allegations.
Broader Context of Accusations Against Manson
This case is not isolated, as Marilyn Manson has faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse and assault from various women in recent years. Notable accusers include:
- Esmé Bianco, an actor from Game of Thrones, who sued Manson in a case that has since been settled.
- Evan Rachel Wood, an actor from Westworld, whom Manson sued for defamation, accusing her of fabricating allegations. A judge later dismissed significant parts of Manson's suit, and he agreed to drop it and pay Wood's attorney fees.
In January 2025, another case against Manson, alleging sexual assault and domestic violence between 2009 and 2011, was dismissed after a lengthy investigation due to statute of limitations issues. This underscores the challenges victims face in pursuing justice for historical crimes.
Consequences and Public Reaction
The controversy has extended beyond the courtroom, affecting Manson's professional engagements. Last year, the first UK concert of his One Assassination Under God Tour was cancelled following pressure from campaign groups and a Member of Parliament, reflecting growing public scrutiny and activism around such allegations.
This reopening of the lawsuit under new legal frameworks may set a precedent for how similar cases are addressed in California and beyond, potentially empowering more survivors to come forward with historical claims.
